Good M orning again! M CS1250 Introduction to Journalism October 2016, Ulrich Werner, Adj. Prof. (IIS-RU)
What’s on the M enu for today? 1. Our changing journalism world 2. Publishing – on your terms 3. Freelancing in journalism 4. Where is journalism headed?
Our changing journalism world
Our changing journalism world • Change is inevitable • Journalists generally prefer change over the status quo – Arab Spring, Fukushima, Coup in Thailand • The world of journalism changes as well – often faster than appreciated: Journalists and news organizations must adapt as fast as possible to survive
Our changing journalism world • T echnology • Economics • Political climate • Professional training • Ethical standards • Advertising • Local cultural, traditional, and historical values
Our changing journalism world Cr.: Michigan State University
Our changing journalism world • Advancements in transportation technologies allowed to reach vast audiences, even in most remote villages • Content have made it easier for content producers – T o fabricate and distort material – Disseminate false and incorrect information – M anipulate photos – Plagerize, and so on.
Our changing journalism world • T echnology • Economics • Political climate • Professional training • Ethical standards • Advertising • Local cultural, traditional, and historical values
Our changing journalism world • All these changes have direct impacts on career opportunities for journalists • M ainstream news organizations have cut staff, and often reduced salaries and benefits of remaining staff • Specialty news outlets and specialist Web sites have created jobs for journalists, who developed expertise on topics like energy, health, international relations, environment, or transportation
Our changing journalism world • M any more journalists work as freelancers now; they rely on learning entrepreneurship and marketing themselves • So, when change is inevitable – how can you take advantage of it? – Develop multiple skills (reporter, photographer, videographer, editor, copy writer, Web master) – Build a freelance base – Keep training, and network – Be flexible – Protect the Freedom of Press
Publishing – on your terms
Publishing – on your terms • Where is YOUR place in journalism, where do you want to go with what you are learning? • Example: A digital space where people can find you, and they know what they are going to get when they go there – A solid reputation (your brand), regular publishing – Consistency – Output and quality – Be available where people expect you to be – Be present: Stake a claim, show up
Freelancing in journalism
Freelancing in journalism • Appointments for freelancers radically grow for years now, while permanent employees of news organizations are set free at the same time • No fixed salary, no pension, no healthcare • Ivanhoe, Sir Walter Scott – soldiers for hire • The weapons today are words, photos, and graphics
Freelancing in journalism • Training and contest opportunities – Sign up for the free online newsletter of the International Centre for Journalists at www.icfj.org • Examples of newsletter opportunities for freelancers: – Freelance journalism workshop in Spain – The Guardian hosts course on freelancing – How freelancers are funding independent journalism – Funds for freelance investigative projects available
Freelancing in journalism Opportunities: • Freelancers can have a more flexible lifestyle without rigid office time schedules • The can decide which appointments to accept, and which ones to decline
Freelancing in journalism Challenges: • Y ou must recognize that freelancing is a business, even if you do it just part-time: M arket research, selling, negotiating, learn new skills, billing • Start it while in a full-time job, or still being a student – in the early times, it’s difficult to make a living from freelancing • Hugh amount of competition: M ake sure they have reason to hire you, not one of your competitors – One or more areas of specialization – M arketing, producing, following up
Freelancing in journalism 5 keys to successful freelancing • Find your article and photo idea • Identify potential markets • Pitch your idea to the editors • Do top-caliber, professional work • Follow up with editors for payment, future assignments
Where is journalism going?
Where is journalism going? The future is bright.
Where is journalism going? • Don’t we want to know the news every day, the latest soccer results, and the security situation of our holiday destination? • Don’t we want to know about the schools where our kids go, about the intentions and credibility of politicians who want us to elect them? • Do you thing that will change in future?
Where is journalism going? Ways journalists work now/ in future • Writers • Editors • Photographers • Designers
Where is journalism going? Also … • Social media writer / content creator • Video editor / producer / director • TV/ radio/ print multimedia reporter • Blogger • Fact-checker / researcher
Where is journalism going? Did you think of this? • Speech writer • Lawyer • Business person • Public relations • Politics
Where is journalism going? And … • T eacher • Book author • Spokesperson • Communicator to the world
Where is journalism going? Where do you fit into all of this? • Y ou can go where ever you want to go. • Journalism is never static – it reflects the world: the diversity, joy, sadness, hope, anger, human condition • Y ou have the privilege to serve your communities and help promote awareness, discussion, and change
Where is journalism going? Believe in yourself and use your skills: • Writing • Reporting and interviewing • Research • Critical thinking • Effective communicating with audiences
Where is journalism going? Be a better news consumer • Engage with the news. Be thinking about the news report’s content, style, and its impact • T each others, be an educator • Use news reports to spur discussion, action, change in your community
Where is journalism going? Whether … • Y ou choose to be a better informed user of journalistic content … • Or choose to be a journalist … • Being smarter, more discerning is always the best way to be involved
Assignment No. 6 consis t of 2 parts. Please find it on the Web page. Have a good weekend!
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